Contents Instruction for NR145... · This colorimeter is a precise measuring instrument. Please avoid dramatic changes of external environment when measuring. These changes, including

Contents

Product Description....................................................................................... 1

Cautions ......................................................................................................... 1

I. Button Description ...................................................................................... 3

II. Interface Description ................................................................................. 4

III. Battery Description and Installation ........................................................ 6

IV. Changing Measuring Aperture 8

V. Operating Instruction ................................................................................ 9

（I） Turning On ........................................................................................................ 9

1. Preparations Before Power On .................................................................. 9

2. Turning On .................................................................................................. 9

（II） Measurement.................................................................................................... 9

1. Measurement Locating ............................................................................... 9

2. Standard Measurement .............................................................................. 9

3. Sample Measurement .............................................................................. 10

（III） Connect Colorimeter to PC .......................................................................... 11

（IV）Print ................................................................................................................. 13

VI. System Function Description ................................................................ 14

1. Record and Standard Entering ................................................................. 14

2. White and Black Calibration ..................................................................... 16

3. Tolerance Setting ...................................................................................... 17

4. Delete Records ......................................................................................... 18

5. Average Measurement ............................................................................. 21

6. Display Mode .......................................................................................... 221

7. Function Setting ....................................................................................... 25

VII. Product Parameters .............................................................................. 32

1. Product Features ...................................................................................... 32

2. Product Specifications .............................................................................. 33

Appendix ...................................................................................................... 35

1. The Color of Objects ................................................................................ 35

2. Human Eyes to Distinguish Colors .......................................................... 36

NR Series Precision Colorimeter

1

Product Description

This instrument is researched and developed in accordance with CIE

(International Commission on Illumination) and CNS (China National

Standards). It is a high precise colorimeter with simple user interface and

stable performance. It can be powered by both Li-ion battery and external

DC power supply.

The instrument has following advantages:

● Can perform measurement at start-up. No need to calibrate each time which

simplify the operation.

● Adopt illuminating locating and precise cross locating to aim at the tested

object quickly.

● 4mm/8mm/20mm measuring aperture for more measurement occasions.

(Different model with different aperture.)

● Save data automatically.

● The precise and stable hand-head structure to make the measurement

easier.

Cautions

● This colorimeter is a precise measuring instrument. Please avoid dramatic

changes of external environment when measuring. These changes,

including the flicker of surrounding light, the rapid change of temperature,

will affect the measuring accuracy.

● Keep the instrument balanceable; make sure the measuring aperture cling to

the test sample, and no shaking or shifting when measuring. Please prevent

the colorimeter from fierce collision or crash.

● This instrument is not waterproof. Do not use it in high humidity environment

or in water.

● Keep the colorimeter clean. Avoid dust, powder or solid particles entering the

measuring aperture and the instrument.


2

● Replace the white calibration cover and put the colorimeter into instrument

cabinet when not in use.

● Please take out the battery to prevent the colorimeter from damage if you

don’t use it for a long time.

● Please keep the colorimeter in a cool dry place.

● Any unauthorized changes to the colorimeter are not permitted, or it will

affect the measuring accuracy, even cause irreversible damage.

Remarks: This operating instruction is suitable for NR110, NR145 and

NR20XE colorimeter.


3

I. Button Description

The following is a brief introduction of the buttons. We will give more detailed

information about its function separately in next chapters.

Figure 1 Button Function

Up

Down

Back

Menu

Enter


4

Figure 2 Testing Button Diagram

Button Function Introduction

1. Menu

2. Up

3. Down

4. Enter

5. Back

6. Testing

Testing


5

II. Interface Description

Figure 3 Interface Diagram

Interface Description

1. Power Switch: Push the switch to “1” means power-on to turn on the

colorimeter. Push the switch to “0” to cut power. Then the colorimeter is

turned off.

2. DC Interface: Connect with AC adapter. It is used to connect to external

power source. The specification of external power source is 5V=2A.

3. USB Interface / RS-232 Interface: This interface is a common interface.

The instrument judges the connection status automatically. USB interface

is used to transfer data to PC. Its baud rate is 115200bps. RS-232 interface

is used to connect to the printer.

Note: When connecting to external power source, please press the

power switch to start the instrument.

AC_DC Powder Port

USB/RS232 Inteface

Power Switch


6

III. Battery Description and Installation

Battery Description

1. The Battery is Li-ion 3.7V = 0.5A. Its capacity is 3200mAh.

2. Please use original Li-ion battery. Do not use other batteries, or it will cause

irreversible damage.

3. Please take out the battery to prevent the colorimeter from the damage of

battery leakage if you don’t use it for a long time.

4. When charging the battery, the instrument must connect external power

source or USB cable to connect the PC. Meanwhile, push the switch to “1”,

and then the battery will be charging. If not charge the battery, then take out

the battery and connect external power source, the instrument still works

normally.

5. When charging the battery, dynamic battery icon will display on the top right

corner of measurement interface.

Battery Installation

1. When installing battery, be sure the power is cut off. (The switch is pushed

to “0”). Then remove the battery cover.

2. Insert the Li-ion battery into battery compartment and push it gently in right

direction.

3. Put the battery cover on Li-ion battery, and then push it up.


7

Figure 4 Battery Installation

Li-ion Battery

Battery Cover


8

IV. Changing Measuring Aperture-Only for NR110

1. Measuring Aperture Installation

As shown in Figure 5, make the measuring aperture align at the installation

position of integrating sphere. Then gently turn it counterclockwise. When

hear slight “Da”, it means measuring aperture is buckled with integrating

sphere. Then the installation is finished.

2. Measuring Aperture Dismantlement

As shown in Figure 5, gently turn measuring aperture clockwise. When

hear slight “Da”, it means the measuring aperture is separated with the

buckling parts of integrating sphere. Then the measuring aperture is

dismantled.

Figure 5 Installation and Dismantlement of Measuring Aperture

Note: some models are only equipped with cross platform measuring

aperture.

Cross Platform Measuring

Aperture

Small Area Measuring

Aperture


9

V. Operating Instruction

（I） Turning On

1. Preparations Before Power On

Check whether there is battery powered or external power supply.

2. Turning On

Push the power switch to “1”, the LCD screen will display 3nh logo.

After a few seconds, it will enter Standard Measurement interface

automatically, and the default display is L*a*b*C*H.

（II） Measurement

1. Measurement Locating

The instrument can locate by measurement facula. Enter “Standard

Measurement” or “Sample Measurement” interface, press the “Testing”

key and hold it. The facula will appear at the moment. You can observe

the matching status between the facula and the measured sample. At

the same time, hold the measuring aperture close to the measured

sample and adjust it. Then the alignment is achieved.

After the locating, release “Testing” button. The instrument will finish

sample testing in approx. 1 sec and display color parameters of the

measured sample.

2. Standard Measurement

Enter standard measurement to perform measurement, as shown in

Figure 6, align the measuring aperture to the sample, press “Testing”

button, the screen will display color data of this sample.


10

Figure 6 Standard Measurement Interface

3. Sample Measurement

After completing standard measurement, press “Enter” button, the

instrument will enter “Sample Measurement” interface automatically, as

shown in Figure 7. Align the measuring aperture to the test sample to

perform sample measurement.


11

Figure 7 Sample Measurement Interface

Note: During the measurement (Approx. 1 sec), all buttons are

ineffective.

（III） Connect Colorimeter to PC (only for models

equipped with software)

Press “MENU ” button to enter the main menu, as shown in Figure 8.

Then, select “Comm” to enter an interface shown in Figure 9. Follow

the tips in the interface, connect colorimeter to the PC with USB cable.

Press “Enter” button, the instrument will enter “Communicating…”

interface, as shown in Figure 10.


12

Figure 8 Main Menu

Figure 9 USB Communication


13

Figure 10 “Communicating” Interface

（IV）print

Connect colorimeter to the printer. When the colorimeter is in “Standard

Measurement” or “Sample Measurement” interface, you can print

measurement data automatically.


14

VI. System Function Description

Abut operating the functions of this colorimeter, please through main menu as

shown in Figure 8.

1. Record and Standard Entering

a) Record

Select “Record” in main menu to enter “Standard Record”, as shown in

Figure 11. The figure shows the standard sample data. You can check

different standard data through “Up” and “Down”. “T002” is a standard

number. After selecting a standard, you can press “Enter” to check test

sample data and color difference, as shown in Figure 12. You can

check different data through “Up” and “Down”. No.001 is the serial

number of sample measurement.

Figure 11 Standard Sample Record


15

Figure 12 Test Sample Record

b) Standard Entering

In some cases, it’s needed to measure color difference under a saved

standard. Then, you can select “Record” in main menu to enter

standard sample records interface. You can search the needed

standard data through “Up” and “Down”. After finding it, press

“Menu ” button, and then the standard record is entered to the

measurement interface, press “Enter”, you can perform sample

measurement under this standard.

c) Sample Record Entered to a Standard

In some cases, it’s needed to use a stored sample as a standard. Then,

you can select “Record” to enter sample records interface, as shown in

Figure 12. You can search the needed sample data through “Up” and

“Down”. After finding it, press “Menu ” button, and then the sample

record is entered to the measurement interface as a standard, press

“Enter”, you can perform the color measurement under this standard.


16

2. White and Black Calibration

Press “MENU ” to enter the main menu. Select “Calibrate” to enter

manual white calibration and black calibration interface, as shown in

Figure 13.

Select “White Calibration” and press “Enter” button; the interface will

prompt you to put away the white calibration cover. Turn the colorimeter

upside down and make the measuring aperture upwards, then put the

white calibration board in the center of the colorimeter and make sure it

is closed to measuring aperture. Re-press “Testing” key to perform

white calibration.

Next step is black calibration: remove white calibration board. Select

“Black Calibration” and press “Enter” button, the instrument will prompt

to direct the measuring aperture to the air (please refer to the “Notes”

under Figure 13). Re-press “Enter” again or press “Testing” key to

perform black calibration.

Then, white calibration and black calibration are completed.

Figure 13 White and Black Calibration


17

Notes:

1. When performing black calibration, direct the measuring port to the

air. Be sure the black calibration is starting in a dark, no bright light

source environment. Keep the measuring port more than 1m away

from any reflective items (hands, desks, walls etc.).

2. No need to enforce black and white calibration. Once turning it on,

you can start the measurement. It is suggested to perform

calibration in following occasions: first use, great change of the

environment, long-term unused or inaccurate data.

3. Tolerance Setting

Select “Tolerance” in main menu to enter tolerance setting interface, as

shown in Figure 14. You can add or subtract the number in which the

cursor is positioned through “Up” and “Down” button. After setting the

number to the needed one, press “Enter” button, the cursor will jump to

the last number. When the cursor is in the last number, press “Enter”

button to save the settings and return to the main menu.

If you don’t want to set or modify the tolerance, you can press “Back”

button to return to the main menu.

Figure 14 Tolerance Setting


18

The tolerance value is artificial. It is a standard value to judge whether the total

color difference ΔE is qualified or not according to the demand of color

management. If ΔE is smaller than tolerance value, then it is qualified. If ΔE is

bigger than tolerance value, then it is unqualified. As shown in Figure 14-1, the

ΔE in sample measurement interface is unqualified.

Figure 14-1 Sample Measurement Interface

4. Delete Records

Select “Delete” in main menu to enter the interface shown in Figure 15.

There are two options: “Delete All Samples” and “Delete All Records”.


19

Figure 15 Delete Records

a) Delete All Samples

When select “Delete All Samples”, it will delete all test samples in the

instrument and save the standard records. Then, the instrument will

display a warning interface, as shown in Figure 16. Press “Enter”, all

sample data will be deleted, but the standard records are still retained.


20

Figure 16 “Delete All Samples” Warning Interface

b) Delete All Records

When select “All Records Delete”, all records in the instrument will be

deleted, including all standard records and all sample records. Then,

the instrument will pop up a warning interface, as shown in Figure 17.

Press “Enter” button, all records in the instrument will be deleted.

Note: Please operate this interface carefully, in case of accidental

deletion of the needed historical records.


21

Figure 17 “Delete All Records” Warning Interface

5. Average Measurement

Select “Average” in the main menu to enter an interface shown in

Figure 18. You can set the times of average measurements according

to your need. You can add or subtract the times by pressing “Up” and

“Down” buttons. Press “Enter” to save the settings and return to the

main menu. When the number is set to “00”, “01”, the instrument will

only make single measurement, and will not perform average

measurement. The instrument is defaulted to one time measurement.


22

Figure 18 Average Measurement Setting Interface

6. Display Mode

Select “Display” in the main menu to enter an interface, as shown in

Figure 19. You can select different color spaces according to your need.

This selection will affect the display in “Standard Measurement” and

“Sample Measurement” interfaces. You can make settings by pressing

“Up” and “Down” button. Then press “Enter” to save the settings and

return to main menu.


23

Figure 19 Display Mode Interface

The display mode will default to “CIE L*a*b*C*H*”. Other options are

“CIE L*a*b*”, “CIE XYZ”. Measurement interfaces of each option are

corresponding Figure 20, Figure 21, and Figure 22.


24

Figure 20 CIE L*a*b*C*H* Measurement Interface

Figure 21 CIE L*a*b* Measurement Interface


25

Figure 22 CIE XYZ Measurement Interface

7. Function Setting

Select “Settings” in main menu to enter an interface shown in Figure 23.

You can select the object according to your need by pressing “Up” and

“Down” buttons. Press “Enter” to enter the corresponding setting

interface. After completing these settings, press “Enter” button to save

the settings and return to the previous menu.


26

Figure 23 Function Settings Interface

a) Select “Function Settings” - “Language” to enter an interface shown

in Figure 24. You can select the language according to your need by

pressing “Up” and “Down” buttons. Press “Enter” to save the

settings and return to the main menu.


27

Figure 24 Language Selection Interface

b) Select “Time & Date” to enter an interface shown in Figure 25. You

can make settings by pressing the button “Up” and “Down. In Figure

26 and Figure 27, you can add or subtract time and date by

pressing the button “Up” and “Down. In Figure 28 and Figure 29,

you can set display format of time and date by pressing “Up” and

“Down”. Press “Enter” to save the settings and return to the

previous menu.

If you don’t want to set or modify time and date, you can press

“Back” button to return to the main menu.


28

Figure 25 Time & Date Setting

Figure 26 Time Setting


29

Figure 27 Date Setting

Figure 28 Time Format


30

Figure 29 Date Format

c) Select “Settings” - “Restore Factory Set” to enter an interface shown

in Figure 30. Press “Enter” button. The instrument will restore to

factory default setting and clear all records.

Note: When you choose this setting, it will pop up a warning.

Please operate it carefully. If you don’t want to carry out

“Restore Factory Settings”, please press “Back” button.


31

Figure 30 Restore Factory Settings


32

VII. Product Parameters

1. Product Features

● The instrument fully considered the user experience, adopting humanized

design concept – make the measurement easier.

● Adopting creative facula locating and cross locating – make the

measurement conveniently, quickly and accurately.

● Small measuring aperture – easy to measure concave-convex object.

● No need to calibrate each time which simplify the operation.

● New integrating sphere optical path design – improve measurement stability

and precision.

● This colorimeter has various color spaces. The users can select it according

to their needs. And the instrument can display Whiteness, Yellowness and

Color Fastness which is used widely.

● The precise and stable hand-head structure to make the measurement

easier.


33

2. Product Specifications for NR145 and NR20XE

Model NR145 NR20XE

Illuminating/vie

wing geometry 45°/0 45°/0

Measuring

aperture 8mm 20mm

Locating Cross Locating Cross Locating

Measuring End

Face Large stable end face Large stable end face

Detector Silicon photoelectric

diode Silicon photoelectric diode

Color Space CIEL*a*b*C*h*;

CIEL*a*b*; CIEXYZ

CIEL*a*b*C*h*; CIEL*a*b*;

CIEXYZ

Color

Difference

Formula

ΔE*ab; ΔL*a*b*;

ΔE*C*h* ΔE*ab; ΔL*a*b*; ΔE*C*h*

Light Source D65 D65

Measuring light

source LED blue light excitation LED blue light excitation

Errors between

each

equipment

≤0.50ΔE*ab ≤0.50ΔE*ab

Storage

100 pcs standard

samples; 20000 pcs test

samples

100 pcs standard samples;

20000 pcs test samples

Repeatability

Standard deviation

within ΔE*ab 0.08

Standard deviation within

ΔE*ab 0.08

Measurement

conditions: Average of

30 measurements of

standard white plate

Measurement conditions:

Average of 30 measurements

of standard white plate

Weight 500g 500g

Size 205 x 67 x 80 mm 205 x 67 x 80 mm


34

Power source

Rechargeable

lithium-ion battery

3.7VDC@3200mAh

Rechargeable lithium-ion

battery 3.7VDC@3200mAh

Battery life 5 years, more than 1.6

million times

5 years, more than 1.6 million

times

Measuring

times before

recharge

About 5000 times About 5000 times

Display TFT True Color

2.8inch@ (16:9)

TFT True Color 2.8inch@

(16:9)

Operating

temperature 0~40℃ (32℉~104℉) 0~40℃ (32℉~104℉)

Humidity range relative humidity 0~85%

with no condensation

relative humidity 0~85% with

no condensation

PC Software CQCS3 Color Quality

Management Software

CQCS3 Color Quality

Management Software

Data interface USB RS232 USB RS232

Portable

packing bag Original Original

Standard

accessories

Powder adapter, Li-ion

battery, operating

instruction, white

calibration cover,

wristband, software,

USB cable

Powder adapter, Li-ion

battery, operating instruction,

white calibration cover,

wristband, software, USB

cable

Optional

accessories Miniature thermal printer Miniature thermal printer

*Note: The specifications are subject to change without notice.


35

Appendix

1. The Color of Objects

There are three major elements to perceive color: light, object and observer.

Any change of these three elements will influence the observer’s color

perception. When the light source and the observer don’t change, then the

object will determine the observer’s color perception.

Objects can affect the final color perception because the reflectance spectra

(transmittance spectra) of the object have modulated the light source spectrum.

Different objects have different reflectance spectra (transmittance spectra).

The light source spectrum modulates the reflectance spectra (transmittance

spectra) of different objects to obtain different results. The observer is the

same, so it shows different colors. The theory is shown in the figure below.

The Size of △E Total Color Aberration

△L is large (positive): the color is partial white.

△L is small (negative): the color is partial black.

△a is large (positive): the color is partial red.

△a is small (negative): the color is partial green.

△b is large (positive): the color is partial yellow.

△b is small (negative): the color is partial blue.


36

2. Human Eyes to Distinguish Colors

The color difference unit, NBS, is derived from the unit of color difference

formula which is established by Judd-Hunter. In 1939, the American Bureau of

Standards adopts this color difference formula and calculates the color

difference according to it. When the absolute value is 1, it is called “The NBS

Color Difference Unit”.

Since then, people would consciously adjust the later color difference formulas

to be similar with the NBS units. The formulas such as Hunter Lab, CIE LAB

and CIE LUV are generally similar to NBS (not exactly the same),therefore, do

not mistake the color difference units calculated by other color difference

formulas are all NBS.

In national standards GB7705-87 (lithograph), GB7706-87 (letterpress),

GB7707-87 (gravure) which promulgated by the National Bureau of Standards,

the color printings rating in the same batch and same color according to color

difference are defined as follows: General Product ΔE ab≤5.00～6.00, Fine

Product ΔE ab≤4.00～5.00. Meanwhile, this quality standard is considered as

a qualification for state enterprises promotion.

Table: The Perception Degree between NBS Unit and Color Difference

NBS Unit Color Difference Perception Degree of Color Difference

0．0～0.50

0.5～1.51

1.5～3

3～6

Above 6

The Tiny Color Difference: Travel

The Smaller Color Difference: slight

The Small Color Difference: Noticeable

The Big Color Difference: appreciable

The Bigger Color Difference: much

Documents

Contents Instruction for NR145... · This colorimeter is a precise measuring instrument. Please avoid dramatic changes of external environment when measuring. These changes, including